Southland Fisheries

Tucked away in Hopkins, South Carolina, Southland Fisheries is a working fish farm dedicated to one thing: stocking ponds with healthy, vigorous freshwater fish. This isn't your typical aquarium shop with rows of glass tanks — it's a proper fishery where bluegill, catfish, shellcracker, mosquito fish, and tilapia are raised and sold in quantities that range from modest backyard pond orders to 500-fish hauls for larger operations. Clay, Marvin, and their team have built a reputation across the Southeast for hands-on expertise and genuine care.

Customers regularly mention how much time the staff invests in answering questions — not just about which species to stock, but about feeding regimens, pond aeration, and even aquaponics system design. One educator came in seeking help setting up a school aquaponics project and left hours later with tilapia and a full plan for a grow tray system that's now thriving. One of the standout services at Southland Fisheries is their delivery network.

They transport live fish across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, dropping shipments at local feed-and-seed stores like Midway in Commerce, Georgia. For those who prefer pickup, calling ahead to reserve your fish is the standard process — and reviewers note that someone actually answers the phone, which feels increasingly rare. The fish arrive lively, well-packaged, and ready for pond life.

The operation also sells pond fish food, including products like Purina AquaMax 400, and customers appreciate the feeding guidance that comes alongside purchases. One buyer raising fish in IBC totes credited the staff's advice in getting shellcracker to accept pelleted feed after trial and error with multiple brands. Southland Fisheries serves a specific niche — pond stocking and freshwater fish farming — and they do it with a level of professionalism and friendliness that keeps customers driving from as far as Clemson.

If you've got a pond to fill, this Hopkins farm should be your first call.